LANSING (WWJ) — Michigan House Republicans on Friday walked off the floor in protest over what they say is the Democratic Party’s failure to negotiate certain bills.
In particular, House Republicans were hoping to discuss bills pertaining to the state’s tipped wage law, paid sick leave and fixing roads.
“These are the issues people care about,” said Minority Leader Matt Hall, R-Richland Township.
Speaking at a press conference, Hall — who is set to become the Majority Leader when Republicans take charge of Lansing in the new year — told Speaker Joe Tate that Republicans would not return to the floor until Democrats “put up legislation right now to keep the earned sick leave policies alive and to protect our restaurant workers.”
Back in July the Michigan Supreme Court issued an order that will bring big changes to the state’s tipped wage system. In essence, the court’s decision means that changes sought by a 2018 ballot initiative — which were adopted by the Legislature and then amended before becoming law — will be rolled out in February.
Republicans, along with restaurant owners and workers have been pushing back on the ruling, saying it will be a “disaster” for the industry.
Rep. Bryan Posthumus, R-Rockford, told WWJ Newsradio 950’s Jeremy Jenkins his party wants to push through an “empty bill” that would allow the House to continue discussing the legislation next week.
Friday is the last day to make it happen, as legislative rules require a five-day delay when a bill moves between chambers, meaning the Senate would not have enough time to vote on it before the end of the session otherwise.
“We wanna be able to continue the conversation on negotiations with them. That’s all we were asking for, but instead, the Speaker of the House said, 'nope, we’re done, no conversations, we’re not taking it up, it’s not gonna happen,’” Posthumus said.
“We decided, when we come back, Republicans are going to be in charge and we’ll actually lead the way,” he said.
Hall echoed those sentiments during Friday’s press conference.
“If they don’t do it, they should adjourn, we’ll come back next year and we’ll solve the problems people care about,” Hall said.
Democrats continued to vote without their Republican colleagues after they left the House floor Friday.
Tate, D-Detroit, accused Republicans of "walking out on the job" and said "hopefully, this isn't a sign of things to come when we have a Republican majority coming in next year," according to a report from The Detroit News.
The WWJ Newsroom has reached out to Tate's office for comment.
This is a developing story. Keep it tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest updates as they become available. >>> LISTEN LIVE!